LIVERPOOL manager Gerard Houllier revealed that hero Gary McAllister went through mixed emotions after inspiring his side to a 2-0 victory against his former club Coventry City at Highfield Road....

LIVERPOOL manager Gerard Houllier revealed that hero Gary McAllister went through mixed emotions after inspiring his side to a 2-0 victory against his former club Coventry City at Highfield Road.

McAllister set up the opening goal for Sami Hyypia and then scored himself with a stunning 30-yard free-kick.

His contribution kept Liverpool on course for a Champions League spot and they are now only three points adrift of main rivals Ipswich Town and Leeds United.

But his double contribution also sent the Sky Blues closer to relegation after a 34-year unbroken spell in the top flight.

Houllier said: "Funny enough, Gary was not particularly happy after the game. Of course he was happy with the win but he was not overwhelmed with joy.

"He understands and realises the effect his goal and Sami's goal might have on Coventry.

"He spent four years at the club, enjoyed his time there and it was a sad day for him from that point of view."

Houllier admitted: "It was a massive win for us because it was a very hard game where so much was at stake for both sides.

"They made it very difficult for us and played with plenty of passion. It was the type of game that six months ago we would have lost but we have grown up a bit.

"We are getting more mature and we are now sometimes able to go through storms without being too affected. We managed to be resilient but also composed."

Coventry manager Gordon Strachan is refusing to give up on avoiding the drop into Division One even though the fate of his side is now out of their hands.

The Sky Blues have to win against midland rivals Aston Villa next Saturday and then bottom club Bradford and hope other results go in their favour.

Strachan said: "It is not impossible for us to win these two games. The way we have performed in the last 12-14 matches has demonstrated that we can win against anyone we play against.

"If someone else manages to win and we get relegated, then fair play to them, but we've just got to be blinkered and look to get three points at Villa Park."

The Coventry boss took plenty of heart from his side's performance. He said: "For 80 minutes we were as good as them, better than them in a lot of things.

"We made chances but then Gary McAllister came into his own. He's always good at set pieces - and it was set pieces that decided the game. You've always got a chance if you have a player who can deliver a ball like Gary. It gives opposing teams a problem."